Part of the land surrounding the reservoir off Lindsay Road, which is owned by Jackson Township. Submitted Photo

On July 17, the office of state Sen. Elder Vogel, R-47th, announced $250,000 worth of Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) state grants will be awarded to Jackson Township.

The grant money will go toward the ongoing lake conservation project at Evans City Reservoir, located near Lindsay Road.

The project will involve a feasibility study for the repairs to the reservoir’s dam, demolishing damaged structures, paving the entry road and parking areas and procuring permits for all of the work to take place.

The total scope of the project also involves construction of an amphitheater near the land approaching the lake, a concession stand, restrooms, a storage facility and a trail system around the lake.

Chris Rearick, Jackson township manager, said the funding will help expedite the planned work at the park.

“It will help us complete the scope of our phase one of the project much more quickly,” he said.

Regionally, progress on the project will provide for the use of a 19-acre lake for residents and visitors. The lake, along with a dam, lies on 132-acre property which Evans City voted to sell to Jackson Township last June. The township acquired the property with the goal of turning it into a public park.

“(The project) will regionally provide an amenity that’s been lacking in recent years,” Rearick said. “We hope to not only allow for fishing, but forms of boating as well.”

He also said the use of property will also help conserve the asset by opening it up to the public.

The township plans on opening the park up for limited activities next week, including fishing access to the lake, Rearick added.

“We anticipate further improvements and recreational opportunities next year,” he said.

Of the $4.75 million in RACP grants awarded to six projects, Jackson Township was the sole recipient within Butler County. The township had made a request for $800,000 in total, Rearick noted.

While Rearick is uncertain when the money will come in, the township is proceeding along with permits and design work.

“We also intend to move forward in the meantime with (work on) trails, parking and so forth,” said Rearick.

The township will continue to look for additional funding opportunities and sponsorships, he said, but between available recreation funds and these grant funds, Rearick expects substantial progress on the project in the next year.

The township will prioritize maximizing the use of in-house staff to help save money, Rearick said.